Milford Mercury | Local News, Sport & Entertainment

`Phantom' helps Rebecca follow her dream

From the Milford Mercury, first published Thursday 13th Jan 2005.

A MEETING with the `Phantom of the Opera' could result in a glittering West End career for one talented Merlins Bridge songstress.

When top Broadway and West End star Peter Karrie came to Narberth last month he offered gifted Pembrokeshire performers the chance to join him on stage.

Rebecca Jones jumped at the opportunity and, one quick audition later, was belting out the hits alongside the Phantom of the Opera star.

The pair wowed the crowd and Peter was so impressed with Rebecca's powerful voice that they have been in close contact since.

And Rebecca, 22, is hoping that a career treading the boards is just around the corner.

Rebecca said: "He told me I should be in the West End and that if I was in London I could really make it. I have made some good contacts through him and now have to write down all the songs I can do and send them to him for future record. I'm not sure if anything will come of it but I have my fingers crossed."

If a career in the West End does pass Rebecca by, it certainly will not be for want of trying. She plans on going up to London in a few weeks to meet with several contacts and try to get her foot in the door.

"I would love to do the shows but London is a big place and I know there will be lots of people thinking the same as me," she added.

Last year Rebecca was picked to perform solo in front of top boy-band Westlife after singing down the phone in a competition run by GMTV.

Despite an attack of the nerves, Rebecca's performance earned her rave reviews from the Irish hunks.

"It was very scary but a fantastic experience," she said.

Recently Rebecca has been concentrating on passing her grade five theory in music and grade eight in singing. She passed both with merit marks and a diploma in singing is next on the agenda.

And along with performances for Haverfordwest Ladies Choir and an upcoming appearance in the Magic Moments Show at the Torch Theatre, Rebecca also finds time to run a music and drama group for disabled adults. "It's something I really enjoy," she said. "If I didn't get anywhere with the singing I'd like to look at doing some work with music therapy."

The group is held at Pembrokeshire College every Monday between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, and anyone wanting any more information should contact Rebecca on 07791 456 854.

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